Energy conservation system

ABSTRACT

An energy conservation system is provided to lower energy consumption in an unoccupied room. A master controller provides control of power consumption to an occupant of a room through an occupant action to create an occupied mode and otherwise be in an unoccupied mode. A thermostat is controlled by the master controller. A radio frequency transceiver is located within the master controller and a second radio frequency transceiver remote from the master radio frequency transceiver is provided. The second radio frequency transceiver is coupled to an electrical switching circuit responsive to a radio frequency signal received from said radio frequency transceiver. A controlled power device is coupled to the electrical switching circuit such that an energy input to the device is controlled by the master controller in the unoccupied mode.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. utility application Ser. No.12/341,688 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,160,749l B1 which in turn, claimspriority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/015,406filed 20 Dec. 2007; the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to energy conservation, and moreparticularly, to lowering energy consumption in an unoccupied room suchas an unoccupied hotel room, apartment, condominium, or residence.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the environmental and economic costs of energy consumption becomemore apparent increasing attention has been paid to energy conservation.Energy conservation not only saves the consumer money, but also limitsthe societal need for additional power generation facilities and theirassociated economic and environmental costs. In conserving energy, theleast drastic behavioral measures are associated with eliminating wastedconsumption; consumption that affords the consumer little, if any,benefit.

The lodging industry maintains large numbers of self-contained roomseach having separate thermostats and electrical outlets. A lodgingpatron often leaves a room for hours at a time in a state of high energyconsumption through climate control settings and operation of electricalappliances and lights. The patron often has little concern for reducingenergy consumption in a paid lodging. In such an instance, the lodgingpatron, absent from the room, derives no benefit from additional energyconsumption. Energy consumption represents 3 to 6 percent of the grossrevenue in the lodging industry. Additionally, renters of apartments andpeople who reside in condominiums and residences also have theopportunity to significantly reduce power consumption, but may lackfinancial incentive to do so.

The predominate method of occupancy control across the world is with theuse of the room keycard. Quality properties in Europe and Asia have beenusing keycard occupancy control for years. However, many of thesesystems are hardwired. This prior art attempts to limit energyconsumption in vacant or unoccupied lodging rooms utilizing a doorkeycard inserted into an electrical controller. The electricalcontroller of this prior art system required retrofitting hardwiredsystems that control electrical switches within the room. The labor androom downtime associated with such a hardwiring retrofit has limited theacceptance of this prior art system. Thus, there exists a need for alodging energy conservation system that will operate without resort to ahardwired installation of a master controller and controlled electricalpower sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an energy conservation system primarilyfor the purpose of lowering energy consumption in an unoccupied roomwithin a lodging facility or other forms of living areas. The systemincludes a master controller which houses a radio frequency transceiverand an electrically controlled power consumption device that houses aradio frequency transceiver that is coupled to an electrical switchingcircuit. When activated, the master controller transmits a frequencythat is received by the remote receiver slave device. The receivedsignal causes the switching circuit to connect to an energy sourcethereby providing power to an appliance connected to the controlledpower device. After successful receipt of the radio frequency commandfrom the master controller to the remote receiver slave device averification of received command is rebroadcast via a radio frequency tothe master controller.

Preferably, the housings of the master controller and the controlledpower device are dimensioned for installation within a conventionalswitch electrical box. In one implementation, the controller housingincludes a keycard slot adapted to allow the controller to be activatedby a room occupant upon entering a room by inserting a keycard into theslot. Conversely, the controller is deactivated when the keycard isremoved from the slot. Also, another version of the master controllerdoes not require the insertion of a keycard but it instead activates thesame functions by the use of a toggle switch that mimics the operationof the keycard use. Another method would allow room occupancy to bedetermined by means of motion detection. This motion detection may ormay not include passive infrared (PIR), Microwave or Ultrasonic sensingdevice.

The radio frequency transmitter within the controller emits a frequencythat is received by the radio frequency receiver that is mounted at aremote location within range of the transmitter. The transmitter andreceiver may or may not consist of a transceiver technology toaccomplish the desired effect of shedding unused load during anunoccupied room condition.

The receiver activates the electrical switching circuit upon receivingthe signal from the master controller. In turn, the activation of theswitching circuit causes the controlled power device to be connected toan energy source until the master controller deactivates the slavedevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As used herein “FIG.” is an abbreviated from of figure and usedsynonymously.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional lodging room fitted with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates various views of an electrical outlet according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates various views of a master controller according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates various views of a wall switch according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view various views of a thermalcontrol unit according to the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a wiring diagram for a four pipe HVAC system;

FIG. 5C illustrates a wiring diagram for a packaged terminal airconditioning (PTAC) system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sliding door or windowmonitor according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a composite schematic of the various componentsoperated by a master controller in an inventive energy conservationsystem; and

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate a front view (8A) and a side view (8B) of akeycard or mini keycard receiver to activate a master controller, and afront view (8C) of a door lock switch slider that activates a mastercontroller of an inventive system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention has utility in conserving electrical energy in avacant or unoccupied room. While the present invention as detailedherein is described with respect to a lodging guest room, it isappreciated to also be operative in the settings illustrativelyincluding hospitals, warehouses, commercial spaces, apartments,condominiums and residences.

The present invention has a master controller that upon activation by anoccupant energizes a remote switching circuit that causes energy to besupplied to a controlled power device from an energy source thatillustratively includes a natural gas feed; an electrical source; orwater supply line. A controlled power device may include an electricaloutlet; a climate-control component such as a thermostat or HVAC system;an electrical switch; a solenoid controlled valve; or the like. Themaster controller activates the switching circuit that is remote therefrom by sending a radio frequency (RF) signal to an RF receiver coupledto a switch circuit that in turn connects the energy source. The presentinvention operates in contrast to the prior art by communicating betweenthe master controller and the remote energy supply sources through aradio frequency signal, as compared to conductive wiring physicallyforming connections there between.

An inventive energy conservation system offers the option of controllingroom HVAC as well as lighting and optional sliding door electricalloads. Through the implementation of a microchip radio frequencycommunication capability between the master controller and the othersystem components, there is no need to connect parts with hard wiringand thereby allowing for the retrofitting of a room with inventivesystem components in a typical room in less than one hour. In contrastto prior art systems based on motion or infrared sensors, the inventivesystem is free of communication dead spots and lacks the requirement ofline of sight communication. As such, the inventive system isparticularly well suited for a multi-room suite. By way of illustration,a seventy-five foot communicative radius through wall structure isoptionable with an inventive system. It is appreciated that an inventivesystem provides energy conservation savings of typically betweentwenty-five and fifty percent as compared to a conventional lodging roomand also provides additional savings in extending the operational lifetime of HVAC, lighting elements in televisions. Still further advantagesare afforded through the use of a guest key or mini key activated masterentry wall control switch that upon insertion of a card key or mini cardkey into an inventive system, pre-selected lights within the room areimmediately activated affording an additional sense of security. A stillfurther advantage of the inventive system is the reduction in guest roomlock outs caused by key cards being left in the room by the patron.Additionally it is appreciated that an inventive system is readilyoverridden on a room by room basis upon patron request thereby affords afeature unavailable with conventional PIR energy management systems.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a master controller 10 of the present inventionis mounted within a conventional lodging facility room. Preferably, themaster controller 10 is mounted proximal to the room entryway E. Themaster controller 10 is activated by a room occupant action. In additionto the preferred activation through magnetic key card insert or mini-keycard insert into controller 10; or moving a door slide switch; otherroom occupant actions illustratively include flipping a switch,producing a thermal signature, voice activation or touchpad activation.The activated master controller 10 emits a radio frequency 12 over abroadcast range encompassing remote RF receivers within a predeterminedarea. A broadcast range of 50-70 feet is typical in a lodging settingwhere the master controller radio frequency need only broadcast to tunedRF receivers within a lodging room or suite. In other applications thebroadcast range can be increased. The RF 12 is received by at least oneRF receiver 14 located within the broadcast range of the mastercontroller 10. The RF receiver 14 is remote from the master controller10 and coupled to an electrical switching circuit that when activatedcauses an energy source to be coupled to a controlled power device. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 7, the RF receiver 14 can be coupled to anelectrical outlet (synonymously a wall plug) 100, a wall light switch250, thermostat control unit 400, door or window opening monitor 170, ora PTAC control unit 600.

FIG. 2 illustrates various views of a controlled power device, namelythe slave electrical outlet 100 (or dual receptacle), wherein theswitching circuit includes a SPST relay coupled to the RF receiver via aprocessor and bipolar transistor. It is appreciated that additionalenergy or power sources in the lodging setting also include electricalswitches, HVAC components such as thermostats, solenoid controlledvalves, internet and cable TV jacks, and the like. The electrical outlet100 has an RF receiver and deactivating circuitry. In FIG. 2, theelectrical outlet 100 according to the present invention hasconventional receptacle apertures 102 adapted to receive a conventionalelectrical plug. A flange 104 having an aperture 106 is adapted tosecure to a conventional electrical box by way of a fastener. The outlet100 is defined by a first housing portion 108 and a second housingportion 110. The first housing portion 108 can have an electricallyinsulating plate 112, beneath which electrical contacts 114 are providedfor an electrical plug inserted there through.

A radio frequency receiver is attached to the plate 112. Preferably, theradio frequency receiver is provided with frequency controlling switches138 intended to frequency code the radio frequency receiver with theradio frequency signal emitted by the radio frequency transmitter of themaster controller 10. In this way, proximate rooms are coded differentlyto avoid RF signaling interference. This method of frequency coding isnot the only method of frequency coding. Other methods may be employed.A power supply for the radio frequency receiver is also provided. Uponthe radio frequency receiver receiving a signal from the mastercontroller 10, a switching circuit activates the conductive pathwaythrough conductors 114.

It is appreciated that in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, only asingle outlet receptacle of the dual receptacle is under the control ofradio frequency activation. In this embodiment of an outlet according tothe present invention, the conventional outlet receptacle remains activeregardless of radio frequency signals and is adapted to control powerdevices such as a clock or other continuous operation device. The secondoutlet portion 110 provides complementary conductor portions toconductors 114 located within first portion 108. The first and secondportion may be jumpered together such that both portions are activatedby the master controller 10. Second portion 110 is also provided withapertures through which electrical wire 30 is received and therebyconductively coupled to the complementary connectors. The slave wallplug 100 automatically shuts off power to electrical devices inelectrical communication therewith when the room is unoccupied. Lamps,HVAC and televisions are illustrative of such electrical devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a master controller 10according to the present invention, where like number references amongthe figures refer to the same component. The master controller 10 asshown in FIG. 3 is incorporated into a conventional wall switch 200, thewall switch having a toggle rocker 220 and a conventional faceplate 240.A master controller front case portion 260 and master controller rearcase portion 280 afford a rugged and self-contained unit promoting quickinstallation within a conventional switch electrical box. Extending fromthe master controller housing defined by front portion 260 and rearportion 280 are electrical leads 30. Provided within the front portion260 is an aperture 32 adapted to be in electrical communication with anactivation keycard, mini-keycard (FIGS. 8A and 8B) or a door lock slideswitch, as shown in FIG. 8C.

In operation, the master controller 10 is positioned such that a patronentering the room inserts a key card or mini key card, or slides atoggle between unoccupied to an occupied position. Preferably, themaster controller 10 is eliminated to facilitate key card insertion ortoggle movement in a darkened room. Activation of the master controller10 triggers the radio frequency transmitter therein to set the entiresystem to the “occupied” mode with the room occupant having normalcontrol over room electrical and HVAC systems. Upon a patron exiting theroom, the key card or mini key card is taken from the master controller10 or the toggle is slide to the “unoccupied” position. After a timeddelay of typically between zero and five hundred seconds and preferablybetween fifteen and seventy-five seconds another radio frequencytransmission is sent from the master controller 10 to the slavecomponents of the system to change the settings on the slave componentsto the “unoccupied” mode thereby placing the HVAC system intopre-selected temperature operating ranges and shutting off electricaloutlets and light switches to reduce energy consumption. A sliding doorsensor is likewise similarly disabled adding to security while reducingenergy consumption.

In one of the applications, the aperture 32 is a translucent light pipeaffording illumination of the aperture 32 even in a master controllerde-active state in order to facilitate room occupant locating of theaperture 32. In a room inclusive of a door or window monitor 170, asdetailed for perspective in FIG. 6 in present, the status of a balconyslide door or window being opened is communicated to the mastercontroller 10 and in the event that a door or balcony slide is left inthe open position, preferably shuts off the HVAC system when a door orwindow is left in an open position. Optionally, the HVAC system is notshut off in the presence of an open door or window until a pre-selectedtime interval has based. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) canbe located within the housing defined by master controller portions 260and 280 that provide a long lifetime, low intensity source ofillumination. The light source is illustratively a light emitting diodebut a phosphor or other illuminate material may be used that allows forthe card slot to be visible when a room is dark.

In operation, the master controller 10 is positioned such that a patronentering your room inserts a key card or mini key card, or slides atoggle between unoccupied to an occupied position. Preferably, themaster controller 10 is illuminated to facilitate key card insertion ortoggle movement in a darkened room. Activation of the master controller10 triggers the rate of frequency transmitter therein to set the entiresystem the “occupied” mode with the room occupant now having normalcontrol over room electrical and HVAC systems. Upon a patron exited theroom, the key card or mini key card is taken from the master controller10 or the toggle is slide to the “unoccupied” position. After a timedelay of typically between zero and five hundred seconds and preferablybetween fifteen and seventy-five seconds another radio frequencytransmission is sent from the master controller 10 to the slavecomponents of the system to change the settings on the slave componentsto the “unoccupied” mode thereby placing the HVAC system intopre-selected temperature operating ranges and shutting off electricaloutlets and light switches to reduce energy consumption. A sliding doorsensor is likewise similarly disabled adding to security while reducingenergy consumption.

The faceplate 240 is fitted with a flange 34 adapted to receive at leastone fastener for securing the master controller 10 within a conventionalswitch electrical box. A radio frequency emitting source is providedwithin the housing portions 260 and 280. Preferably, the radio frequencysource is a radio frequency crystal but may be comprised of acombination of passive and active electronic components, a surfaceacoustic wave circuit, or other transmitter circuits suitable forlow-power, close range transmission. More preferably the radio frequencysource is provided with a series of coding switches for the setting ofthe specific frequency modulation. In a room inclusive of a door or awindow monitor 170 come as detailed from perspective FIG. 6, the statusof a balcony slide door or window being opened is communicated to themaster controller 10 and in the event that the door or balcony slide isleft in an open position, preferably shuts off the HVAC system when adoor or window is left in an open position. Optionally, the HVAC systemis not shut-off in the presence of an open door or window until apre-selected time interval has passed. Radio frequency modulationswitches 38 are still more preferably accessible without resort todisassembly of the housing portions 260 and 280. A circuit board cancontain conventional electronic components associated with an RFtransmitter. It is appreciated that the RF broadcast range of a mastercontroller 10 according to the present invention is affected by factorsillustratively including the power input to the RF crystal, thematerials the radio frequency must penetrate, and the specific radiofrequency of the device. Preferably, a protective flange affordsmechanical protection for any exposed switches 38 of the radio frequencysource. FIG. 3 also illustrates a master controller 20 wherein anaperture 32 is not included and thus the master controller is notactivated by an activation card but by a switch 22.

In FIG. 4, a slave wall switch 250 is illustrated wherein the wallswitch can automatically energize and de-energize lighting fixtures andelectrical outlets that it controls. The wall switch 250 has a toggleswitch 252, an RF transceiver and other miniaturized controls includingmechanical relays for affording the enabling or disabling of associatedlighting fixtures and electrical outlets. In operation, upon receivingan “unoccupied” RF signal from the master controller 10, the wall switch250 de-energizes associated lighting fixtures and electrical outletsafter a predetermined wait time, e.g. 30 seconds. Then, when an occupantenters the room, the wall switch 250 receives an “occupied” RF signalfrom the master controller 10 and the wall switch 250 re-energizes anyassociated lighting fixtures and electric outlets that were de-energizedwhen the occupant left the room and the master controller 10 transmittedthe “unoccupied” signal. In addition, once the wall switch 250 receivesthe “occupied” signal from the master controller 10, the switch 250operates as a normal wall switch until a subsequent “unoccupied” RFsignal is received.

While the present invention has been detailed with respect to an RFreceiver controlling the energization of an electrical outlet and/orlighting fixtures, it is appreciated that the same RF receiver andswitching circuitry can be coupled to other energy sources. In the caseof the controlled power device being an HVAC component, it is oftenpreferred not to completely shut down an HVAC system, but rather toswitch to an energy conservation mode. An energy conservation mode forHVAC is provided by the present invention through incorporating athermostat and associated controller unit (collectively “thermostat” orTCU) 400 (FIG. 5A) with the master controller 10 such that when themaster controller 10 is in a deactivated state (unoccupied room), theTCU 400 maintains an unoccupied room HVAC control. Preferably, the TCUautomatically shifts between heating and cooling operation as needed. Incontrast, upon master controller 10 activation by a room occupant, theHVAC control is transferred to a room occupant regulatable thermostatwith the same TCU 400. The TCU 400 may be in the form of a discretemodular unit that includes an RF receiver and HVAC control circuitrycapable of controlling operation of the HVAC system in response toreceiving an RF transmission from a master controller and according topreset conditions.

The modular TCU 400 can be set to one of a plurality of control rangesthat operate to limit the climate conditions within a room within theselected control range. Each control range includes distinct climateconditions to be maintained when the room is either occupied orunoccupied. An illustrative example being that when a room is occupied,the climate conditions within the room are limited between 67-76° F.while an unoccupied room might have climate limit conditions between62-78° F. FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate the sub-circuitswithin the TCU 400 that include a dip switch used for selecting the modeof operation of the unit, an RF receiver circuit, and a plurality ofSPST relays which operate to open and close the control circuits to theexisting HVAC system for a four pipe and PTAC control unit 600 (FIG. 7),respectively. It is appreciated that incorporating a microprocessor intothe present invention affords greater system programmability andflexibility in operation. For instance, seasonal or diurnal controlleradjustments are facilitated in this way.

Optionally, the master controller 10 is powered not by line voltage byrather by battery power. It is appreciated that a battery powered mastercontroller 10 is particularly well suited for cooperation with aconventional magnetic key card, slider or any key card. The batterypowered master controller 10 includes a radial for the purpose oftransmission of radio frequency signals denoting “occupied” or“unoccupied” room condition based on the presence or absence of amagnetic key card within a receiver, respectively; or alternativelyslider switch position between these binary conditions. The batteryprovides power to the control electronics and the radio. FIGS. 8A and 8Cillustrate a front view and a side view, respectively of a key card/minikey card insertion aperture 32 prime. It is appreciated that thisconfiguration of parallel insertion aperture 32 prime relative to themaster controller face plate is suitable for usage with a line poweractivated master controller as well as a battery powered mastercontroller. The aperture 32 prime being configured to accept apre-selected key card. With insertion of a magnetic key card/mini keycard into an aperture 32 prime, a signal is communicated to the mastercontroller electronics that the room is now in “occupied” mode. A radiofrequency signal is sent to various slave components in the inventivesystem. Exemplary slave components of the inventive system are depictedin FIGS. 1 and 7.

In FIG. 8B, a slide switch is provided that has two positionscorresponding to “occupied” and “unoccupied”. Based on the occupancystatus of the room, control of the various slave components of theinventive system is retained by the master controller or surrendered tothe room occupant.

Optionally included within the energy control system can be a door orwindow monitor 170 as shown in FIG. 6. In some instances, the door orwindow monitor 170 is a sliding balcony door or window monitor havingsensor 172. The sensor 172 can be any sensor known to those skilled inthe art for detecting when a window or door is opened and closed,illustratively including electromagnetic sensors, infrared sensors,ultrasonic sensors and the like. The monitor 170 includes an RFtransceiver that can send an open or closed door/window signal to theTCU 400. In this manner when a balcony door or window is opened, themonitor 170 signals the TCU 400 that the balcony door or window is openand thereby afford for the TCU 400 to de-energize the HVAC system or inthe alternative afford for the TCU 400 to control the HVAC system with aset of parameters selected for when an occupant opens a balcony door ora window.

In operation, the present invention upon activation by a room occupant,the master controller transmits a signal to the radio frequency receiverthereby activating the electrical outlet. Upon the room occupant, orfinal room occupant when a group is present, vacating the room, the anunoccupied state is sent from the master controller thereby terminatingthe radio frequency emissions from the master controller that in turndeactivates the remote outlet through the termination of receipt of theactivating radio frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the mastercontroller operates to afford continued radio frequency emission for alimited period of time after deactivation. The limited time of continuedactivation is typically between a few seconds and a few minutes.

One skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will readilyappreciate that various modifications of the present invention asdetailed herein are possible without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

1. An energy conservation system comprising: a master controllerproviding control of power consumption to an occupant of a room throughoccupant action to create an occupied mode and otherwise be in anunoccupied mode; a thermostat controlled by said master controller; aradio frequency transceiver located within said master controller andhaving a broadcast range; a second radio frequency transceiver remotefrom the master radio frequency transceiver and coupled to an electricalswitching circuit responsive to a radio frequency signal received fromsaid radio frequency transceiver; and a controlled power device coupledto the electrical switching circuit such that an energy input to saiddevice is controlled by said master controller in the unoccupied modewherein the room occupant action that activates said master controlleris insertion of a card into said master controller or the activation ofa door slide switch.
 2. The energy conservation system of claim 1wherein said controlled power device is a HVAC system having anunoccupied mode preselected temperature, said thermostat operating saidHVAC system towards the unoccupied mode preselected temperature in theunoccupied mode.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said HVAC system is apackaged terminal air conditioner.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein saidcontrolled power device is less than all of a plurality of receptaclesof a wall plug.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said controlled powerdevice is a HVAC system and further comprising a door or window monitorin communication with said master controller to de-energize said HVACsystem when a door or window is open.
 6. The system of claim 1 whereinsaid master controller is positioned by an entry door to and within apatron lodging room.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said mastercontroller has an aperture defining an entry to a pocket adapted toreceive a keycard or mini-keycard.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein theradio frequency transceiver further comprises a frequency modulationswitch that allows for the transmitted frequency to be varied.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said thermostat is in two-way radiofrequencycommunication with said master controller.
 10. The system of claim 1wherein said master controller is battery powered.
 11. A process of roomenergy conservation comprising: removing a keycard or min-keycard ormoving a door slide switch to place power consumption under control of amaster controller within a room in an unoccupied mode; sending a radiofrequency signal from said transmitter within said master controller toa radio frequency receiver coupled to an electrical switching circuitwithin a controlled power device; and de-activating said controlledpower device in response to the radio frequency signal being received bythe receiver indicative the unoccupied mode to provide room energyconversation.
 12. The process of claim 11 further comprising: modulatinga thermostat control unit with the radio frequency signal to operate aHVAC system towards an unoccupied preselected temperature.
 13. Theprocess of claim 11 further comprising monitoring the room for an opendoor or window to communicate an open signal to said master controllerand de-energizing a HVAC system in response to the open signal.
 14. Theprocess of claim 13 wherein the door is a balcony sliding door.
 15. Theprocess of claim 11 wherein the electrical switching circuit is a relay.16. The process of claim 13 wherein the open signal is communicated by abattery-powered transceiver capable of two-way communication.
 17. Theprocess of claim 11 further comprising overriding said master controllerin the unoccupied state.